The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) is shocked by news of the disappearance Nadarajah Guruparan, the news director of popular Tamil language radio station Sooriyan FM, whose car was found abandoned in Colombo on August 29 only hours after he was seen leaving for work.

According to an IFJ affiliate, the Free Media Movement (FMM), Nadarajah Guruparan had received threats from several paramilitary groups in the lead up to his disappearance, and there were news reports of the government's discontent with his network's coverage of the ongoing conflict in Sri Lanka.

"The IFJ is extremely concerned for the safety and wellbeing of Nadarajah Guruparan. His disappearance, especially in light of these threats, is particularly worrying considering the current precarious climate in Sri Lanka," the IFJ President Christopher Warren said.

"This is further evidence of the dangerous environment for journalists that has developed in Sri Lanka. The specific targeting of media workers for merely reporting on the conflict is an appalling consequence of the worsening crisis in the country," Warren said.

"It is imperative the Sri Lankan Government respond immediately to this situation and ensure journalists' safety, freedom, and independence is protected during this difficult time," Warren said.

According to the FMM, Nadarajah Guruparan worked for Sooriyan FM since 1999, and previously was news editor of the Sarinihar newspaper.

The IFJ, the global organisation representing over 500,000 journalists in more than 115 countries, demands a full, independent investigation into Nadarajah Guruparan's disappearance, and demands that the persons responsible make public his whereabouts and release him immediately and unconditionally.

For further information contact IFJ Asia-Pacific +61 2 9333 0919

The IFJ represents over 500,000 journalists in more than 115 countries